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Most Helpful Reviews

Praise10 found this helpful

Nohalogens

Nov 9 , 2008

No Halogens please

First off, this is the mac daddy if you already own Kenmore Elite ovens or ranges. 3 fan speeds and 3 light settings are the best. That being said, there are some things to know. Do not buy the halogen lamps for the unit. The two attempts to use the recommended halogens resulted in blow outs of the lamps. Get the 40 watt reflectors. They work great. Secondly, you need charcoal filters for the non-ducted operation. One would think that Sears would have provided the proper lamps for this considering the price. Overall, I would still buy this unit.

Criticism4 found this helpful

cheewhee

Oct 11 , 2009

Not even close to "elite!"

Our hood is only 4 years old, and doesn't work correctly. The buttons work sometimes if you push them a certain way, and only one light works. We tried changing bulbs and cleaning the sockets, and even used lithium grease to enhance connectivity, but the unit still doesn't work. We found out the wiring was faulty inside the hood. Too late for return. We've had super cheap models that lasted over twenty years with no problems. Very disappointed.

I am very disappointed in my Kenmore Elite 36'' Updraft Range Hood with 3-Setting Halogen Lighting 5512. It has only been in use for 3 years and it is broken along with my Kenmore Wall Oven! What happened to good quality?

We've owned this hood for two years, and just ordered a replacement control panel because the plastic covering for the control buttons has already worn through. I don't find this acceptable. It's not like we run a restaurant here.

In addition, I've had to tear the hood apart to change light bulbs, as normal cooking moisture seems to corrode the bases making changing the bulbs a major operation.

This is an attractive, substantial looking hood that performs well. The fan may be slightly loud but not to the extent of being annoying. I wouldn't take any marks off for that.
The problem is bulbs. They are not included with the hood. They have to be purchased separately. At this time Sears is charging $40 for the two bulbs required!! That is a rip -off. I purchased the EXACT SAME bulbs at the ********** for $7.49 each and Sears' installation crew found them a perfect match. The part number for Sears bulb is 57853 and it is prominently described ONLY as "50 watts 120volts". On a veiled hint from a technician I scrolled all the way down, and there, under "Part information" it tells you the whole truth. The specs on this bulb are----PAR20 50Watts 120volts. THE KEY SPECIFICATION IS "PAR20". "Par" specifies the size of the base (medium in this case) and type of bulb. Pars come in various numbers.
My research took some time but I had serious issues with paying $40 for two little halogen bulbs which Sears SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED WITH THE HOOD in the first place.
It is a pity I had to give only four stars to this item because of the absent bulbs since the hood itself is actually very nice.
ZRP

I had to purchase a new stove and to make it all match I had to get a range hood. This is the one I chose. I like it very much. Once again reading peoples opinions can make you second guess your purchase, however after much comparisons I felt for the money this was a good choice.

People complained that the fan is loud. It is not. I don't get where they are coming from about that one!!!!!!

People complained about the price of the halogen bulbs... I think these should be included and not have to buy them but being that in not an option do not buy them @ Sears (no offense Sears) I priced them at the store they were $19.00 EACH.... I went to ********** they were a mere $7 and pocket change.... ******* may have them for even less, but I was not driving all over town to ck. prices... 7$ sounded alot better than 19$.....

Even though I don't think it right that the bulbs were not included, I love the lights you have 3 choices of the brightness, I did not feel any ususal hotness coming from the bulbs.... while I was cooking.

The fan has 3 choices it is not loud by any means on high #3.... it makes noise, hello, it is a fan there will be noise but it is fine!!!!!the #1 bearly makes a noise, I don't know how much of the cooking oders it sucks ups.... but you can hardly hear it////

Sears came and put it in so I don't have any imfo on the difficulty of the installation.

Overall : I am satisfied very much so .... it looks nice, it looks more on the high end meaning it looks expensive compared to the price of it.... so the only draw back is having to purchase the bulbs... that is cheap on Kenmore's part / hope this helps you. blessings :)

Our hood is only 4 years old, and doesn't work correctly. The buttons work sometimes if you push them a certain way, and only one light works. We tried changing bulbs and cleaning the sockets, and even used lithium grease to enhance connectivity, but the unit still doesn't work. We found out the wiring was faulty inside the hood. Too late for return. We've had super cheap models that lasted over twenty years with no problems. Very disappointed.